So You Want a Parrot?

Why do you want a parrot over a dog, cat, or fish? Are you wanting companionship, for the children, to make money as a breeder, or because it would be neat to have a bird that talks?

Before buying a bird there are many factors to consider. Depending on the type of bird you want you need to consider what your commitment is. Where dogs and cats live approximately 15 years, a parrot's life span is much longer: Macaws 50 - 100 +, Cockatoos 40 - 60 +, Amazons 50 - 70 +, and African Grays 50 - 60 +. So it's a long, sometimes, life long commitment.
The initial cost is not small. Depending on the type of bird, whether it's hand-fed, and its age, the cost can be quite large. For example, an Amazon parrot, six months old, already talking, and hand-fed can cost from $1,500.00 and up. Then add the cage, food, food dishes, toys, and the initial veterinarian's bill you are talking well over a $2,000.00 initial cost.

Birds are also not the kind of pet you can buy, put in a cage in some corner of the room and forget. They require attention, companionship, and care. Parrots have the intelligence of a four or five year old and require the amount of attention of a four or five year old. Neglected they can become neurotic, feather pluckers, and aggressive noise makers. Not only are they unhappy so are you and everyone else around. Once I visited a woman who had purchased a parakeet for her daughter. It was in a cage so small it didn't have enough room to flap its wings. Plus, she was feeding it seeds. Seeds are empty food for pet birds. When I mentioned this her reply was, "It's only a twenty dollar bird, it dies, I'll just go get another one!" Needless to say, I never visited her home again.

Another factor is the noise. Even the most verbal, cute, and funny parrot also makes obnoxious, screeching, and loud squawking. There are days when that adorably cute talkative parrot just will not shut up! At times it can grind your nerves to the breaking point. It can be annoying when you're trying to watch a movie and your parrot decides it wants to have a conversation with the main star. The more you turn up the volume, the more your parrot increases its volume until it becomes a contest to see which can get the loudest.

Lastly, do you have any other pets? I've heard people say they have a bird and a cat. I don't care how well you think your cat will or does get along with your bird; it's not a wise idea! Cats are natural predators of birds and that natural instinct eventually will kick in when you're not around. I've seen it happen too many times.

Birds are wonderful companions. They are loving, playful, and intelligent. There are definitely moments with a parrot that will bring laughter in your life. They will fill your life with love and enjoyment if you understand what is involved with owning one. Do your homework first by researching; you will be glad you did.